Family Haggadah: A Seder for All Generations

Customer Reviews:

Great Haggadah!.......2007-05-14

We were very happy with this Haggadah. Everything is there (hebrew, songs, stories, the afikomen, the wine,etc.) yet it is not excessively long. We had observant Jews, non-practicing Jews and a few non-Jews at our Sedar and they all throughly enjoyed the service. The ages ranged from 9 years old to 53 years old and included 3 teenagers. Truly several generations represented.

A Haggadah Mostly for the Younger Generations.......2007-05-07

The "Family Haggadah" appears to be illustrated and annotated for parents who want to keep their 7 - 12 year olds engaged during the seder. For that purpose, the Family Haggadah seems to be an excellent choice. Beautifully illustrated with lots of fun "side" facts. If you have teenagers or are a group of all adults, the Family Haggadah will likely come off as too childish. The content is good for various degrees of religious seders. If you are looking for a more cultural/humanistic/secular approach to celebrating Passover, this Haggadah will leave you wanting more. I take my hat (but not my kippa) off to the author for creating a kid friendly haggadah that parents could tolerate.

Perfect haggadah for an energetic and fun seder.......2006-04-11

I was looking for an easy-to-read Haggadah that was intelligent but at the same time fun for kids. This is the perfect one after a 10 year search. It is also the perfect amount of information...enough to make the seder interesting, but not too much that you get the feeling it will never end! Thank you Mr. Gindi for this Haggadah!!!

Very Interesting. A Great Learning Experience.......2003-10-20

This is a wonderful Haggadah that we have been using in my family ever since my dad wrote it. It is easy to understand and it makes the meal so much less boring. I am 11 which is the youngest in my family and we still use it in our seders. I hope that everyone who is young or old loves this book. I sure did!

Great for families with preschool and school-age children.......2003-05-04

This was our third year using this Haggadah with our children, now 7 and 9 years old, and we will probably use it for at least a few more years. The "Family Haggadah" includes a complete service (i.e., no steps are skipped) with brief, clear English narration and key blessings and verses in Hebrew or Aramaic. The service is traditional with some contemporary additions - the Matzah of Hope; a poem written by a boy imprisoned in a concentration camp; Miriam's Cup; and one of our favorites, the Frog Song. The authors estimate that the service will take 45 minutes before dinner and 15 minutes after; we found it took closer to 55 minutes before dinner. The book is beautifully illustrated and includes discussion topics in boxes alongside the main text ranging from "what is your favorite part of the service" to a more sophisticated consideration of what it means to be enslaved versus free. Because the text is streamlined and simplified, rather than dumbed-down, this is also an ideal Haggadah for first-time seder hosts and seder novices of any age. To keep the service brief, very few traditional Hebrew songs are included. If you like to sing, you will need to supplement the "Family Haggadah" with a more traditional book, such as the Maxwell House version available in supermarkets.

Average customer rating:

Really funny twist to an old classic
Perhaps more funny for adults than for pre-schoolers
This version will blow you away!
A New Point of View on an Old Story
Grandmother's input

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Jon Scieszka
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0140544518

Amazon.com

"There has obviously been some kind of mistake," writes Alexander T. Wolf from the pig penitentiary where he's doing time for his alleged crimes of 10 years ago. Here is the "real" story of the three little pigs whose houses are huffed and puffed to smithereens... from the wolf's perspective. This poor, much maligned wolf has gotten a bad rap. He just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, with a sneezy cold, innocently trying to borrow a cup of sugar to make his granny a cake. Is it his fault those ham dinners--rather, pigs--build such flimsy homes? Sheesh.

This 10th-anniversary edition of Jon Scieszka's New York Times Best Book of the Year, The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!, includes a special, impassioned letter from prisoner A. Wolf himself and a snappy new jacket by Caldecott Honor artist Lane Smith, whose quirky perspectives still color the illustrations throughout. As with The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, the collaborators take a classic story and send it through the wisecracker machine, much to the glee of kids young and old. (Ages 4 to 8 or much, much older) --Emilie Coulter

Book Description

In this best-selling collaboration between author (and performer) Jon Scieszka and illustrator Lane Smith, with music by noted composer Kurt Hoffman, you will hear Alexander T. Wolf tell the story from his point of view. Side one features narration and music, while side two has music alone, so that you can read it out loud by yourself.

Customer Reviews:

Really funny twist to an old classic.......2007-10-09

Many think of the story "The three little pigs" as a worn out fairy tale. This book puts a new twist to the tale by adding a different point of view ... particularly from the WOLF's side. My children "howl" at the wolfs version of his mistreatment and being so misunderstood by the world. Opens ears of kids to listen to both sides and make up your mind as to what really happens..... my kids determined the wolf was full of it and the pigs in the end win out in their minds. Very funny book.

Perhaps more funny for adults than for pre-schoolers.......2007-08-30

I really like Jon Scienszka - especially _The Stinky Cheese Man and other tales_; but I suspect his stories are geared for a slightly older audience (age 5 and up) than for younger children, as the humor in _The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs_ is a bit sophisticated for younger (and more literal) children.

With that said, the premise - that the Big Bad Wolf is misunderstood, and the deaths of the 3 Little Pigs was just a big misunderstanding - is great: I like the idea of teaching children to empathize and think beyond the literal. And certainly children will develop this as they grow. I do recommend the book - the art, the story and the telling of it are masterfully done. However think about the relative intellectual maturity of the audience before buying ... it may be good wine before its time.

This version will blow you away!.......2007-08-19

Poor Big Bad Wolf - he always gets a bad rap. But now he is here telling his side of the story. According to him, it's all about a sneeze and a cup of sugar. Once again, Smith's illustrations are highly amusing, as is the story of a misunderstood wolf who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time (Riiiiiiiight). I love how the story has been jazzed up with phrases such as - "Can you believe it? I mean, who in his right mind would build a house of straw?" (as said by the wolf). This book really is short and sweet and hopefully it will make readers think about whose side of the story is correct.

A New Point of View on an Old Story.......2007-08-03

My children (ages 12, 8 and 5) had gotten this book from the library, but since they continued to read it over and over again, I thought we should have our own copy. It is a very clever story of the Three Little Pigs told from the wolf's point of view. As enjoyable it is for the children, it's just as enjoyable for the adult reading with them.

Grandmother's input.......2007-07-28

I bought this for my grandchildren, a boy who is eight and a girl who is seven. They like books so I was curious about their reaction. They both liked the story and the pictures. Their mother was particularly impressed. The humor is appropriate for children and for adults so I would recommend this for any age. It will make you smile.

Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life

Average customer rating:

Change or Die ... you gotta buy!
Why We Need More Change
A terrific book
You might not die, but if you don't have that attitude you might not change
Change or Die CD

Change or Die: The Three Keys to Change at Work and in Life
Alan Deutschman
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Motivational | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Systems & Planning | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Applied Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Occupational & Organizational | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Business Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0060886897
Release Date: 2007-01-02

Book Description

"CHANGE OR DIE. What if you were given that choice? We're talking actual life and death now. Your own life and death. What if a well-informed, trusted authority figure said you had to make difficult and enduring changes in the way you think, feel, and act? If you didn't, your time would end soon—a lot sooner than it had to. Could you change when change mattered most?"

This is the question Alan Deutschman poses in Change or Die, which began as a sensational cover story by the same title for Fast Company. Deutschman concludes that although we all have the ability to change our behavior, we rarely ever do. In fact, the odds are nine to one that, when faced with the dire need to change, we won't. From patients suffering from heart disease to repeat offenders in the criminal justice system to companies trapped in the mold of unsuccessful business practices, many of us could prevent ominous outcomes by simply changing our mindset.

A powerful book with universal appeal, Change or Die deconstructs and debunks age-old myths about change and empowers us with three critical keys—relate, repeat, and reframe—to help us make important positive changes in our lives. Explaining breakthrough research and progressive ideas from a wide selection of leaders in medicine, science, and business (including Dr. Dean Ornish, Mimi Silbert of the Delancey Street Foundation, Bill Gates, Daniel Boulud, and many others), Deutschman demonstrates how anyone can achieve lasting, revolutionary change.

Change or Die is not about merely reorganizing or restructuring priorities; it's about challenging, inspiring, and helping all of us to make the dramatic transformations necessary in any aspect of life—changes that are positive, attainable, and absolutely vital.

Customer Reviews:

Change or Die ... you gotta buy!.......2007-09-27

I consume an enormous amount of books - many of them audio to help expand my brain during commute time - for professional and personal development. This book was a jaw-dropper for me.

There are a lot of concepts thrown out in the idea playground, but few that hit the heart of transformation in the way this one does. Alan D. busts apart several deeply ingrained beliefs by dissecting case studies that destroy "the conventional wisdom."

It's easy ... the lazy way ... to simply state that people don't change, or can't change. What he does masterfully is shows why we hit the walls of resistance, and how to pull it down brick by brick if we really want to.

There is nothing more exhilarating for me to read a book that literally changes the way you look at the world when you finish it. "Change or Die" is a must read for anyone seeking to expand their thinking and view of the world ... enough said!

Why We Need More Change.......2007-09-08

Change or Die deserves a wide audience, not as a self-help book, but as an important way to understand why so many elements of our society are not working.

We label more and more acts as criminal. We build more prisons. But crime doesn't go away.

We keep asking, "Who should pay for health care?" when in fact over nearly 80% of health "care" costs could be reduced (or even eliminated) by iifestyle changes.

Psychologists have long known that change is rarely a matter of willpower. Karen Pryor's Don't Shoot The Dog warns that most of our education and training systems are not based on sound psychological guidelines.

Deutschman, as a journalist, presents case studies showing how groups of people changed following a few key principles. They identified with a person, leader or community. They got to practice, over and over again. They learned to think "as if" they had already changed. And they learned to reframe their experiences.

So prisoners at Delancey Street become members of a community. They learn to act "as if" they're ordinary, law-abiding citizens. They develop what Deutschman calls a middle-class mindset.

Dieters who followed Dean Ornish's program first joined a support group. They practiced new styles of eating and exercise. And they reframed their views about health, moving from helpless patients to strong achievers who took charge of their own health.

These two examples are most powerful, although Deutschman includes a few others (a parole officer learns to talk to clients a new way and businesses absorb cultures). In fascinating first-person narratives, he recounts his own struggles with mastering college French and with his own weight loss. In each case, he failed with credentialed teachers at Princeton and a high-priced gym, respectively, but mastered French and exercise when he connected to teachers with whom he shared interests.

As a former professor myself, I would add that the university system combines learning with assessing. Sometimes those goals conflict. Faced with limited time and an expectation that not everyone can earn A's, not to mention consequences of getting too friendly with students, few teachers can create the connection that Deutschman describes.

Ironically, as a society, collectively we're like the patients in the Dean Ornish study. His patients knew they should lose weight and exercise. We know we're implementing programs that don't work. Why do we keep doing it? Why do we keep building prisons and creating health programs that don't address the causes of the problem?

And do we really need to learn from credentialed experts? Ornish's own change agent was the man who taught his sister's yoga class. It seems that relationships lead to therapy, not a particular set of techniques. It's little wonder that lightly-trained coaches, without the cloaks of power and professionalism, have been successful as change agents for many of their clients.

If institutions and widely held beliefs don't change, more of us may die, literally or metaphorically. That the unintended lesson of this deceptively simple book.

A terrific book.......2007-05-07

If at all possible I purchase the audio CD version of books, and the hard copy of the book as well. Being a frequent traveler, being able to listen to the book gets my creative thought flowing. I then can use the book to drill down on more information as time permits. I found Change Or Die to be a very interesting and helpful book. Being involved in organizational change initiatives, I found the book to provide insights as to why change is difficult, and most often why change initiatives fail before they can bare fruit. The book offers helpful strategies for helping people work through the process of change. Despite the negative statistics that the author cites regarding success rates of change initiatives, I found the book to be very hopeful - in that there are concrete things that we can do to help the change process along. I found the examples that the author uses to be very interesting. The book and the CD is worth multiple readings and listenings.

You might not die, but if you don't have that attitude you might not change.......2007-03-30

I was first attracted to this book when I spotted its stark black and white cover with the simple words "Change or Die". It was enough to get my attention on a flight layover, and I made a note to myself to check out the book when I got home.

I judge a book on if it's able to accomplish what it sets out to do. If it does at least that I'll give it 4 stars. If I feel the author went above and beyond the tour of duty to get his point across, I'll give it 5. That being said, this book is a solid 4, 4 still being very good.

Did this book get the point across that if you don't change you'll die? Actually, yes. The author uses several well-laid out case examples from heart patients to career criminals to demonstrate why change is so important; he also retells his own personal "change or die" story, which lets you know that he doesn't just talk the talk, he also walks the walk. Even though you may not be able to relate to all the people in the book (I am neither a criminal nor a heart patient), he brings their stories close down to a personal level and then details how they each used some version of the 3-steps to change (Relate, Repeat, Reframe) to bring their life and outlook to a new, positive level.

The case studies (stories really), the application of the 3-steps, and the simplicity are really the strong points of the book. I'm not sure if Mr. Deutschman is a psychiatrist or not, but the writing style came across as very down-to-earth and easy to read. It wasn't bogged down in any psycho babble, just 3 steps and how different people applied them to their lives, and the lives of others to change. That's it. Unlike other books covering the topics of change or psychology, it doesn't get cheesy or sugar-coated or cliched, and I was glad for it. This may also be a weakness of the book, since it really wasn't inspirational nor used "go-get-'em" language. That's not say it isn't, it is inspirational in its own way because you get to see how change is possible for even the most ordinary or hopeless situations. But I feel the author could have used a little more enthusiasm in his writing, that's a very minor quibble though.

Another small issue i have with the book, which is purely subjective, is that I wish the author spent a little more time on personal change, or at least gave more examples. There were perhaps 25-30 pages on personal change, and I bought this book expecting more of that. HOwever, I know this book was meant for the topic of change on a personal, corporate, and organizational levels so the author really did cover what he wanted. Hopefully, in the future he'll come out with a follow up dealing solely with the topic of personal change.

Overall, if you are interested in changing yourself, your company, or group, this is a solid book. You can read it in a few days, and not feel overwhelmed with complex psycholiteral language. Instead, there's a lot to learn from the many stories and cases presented here. You really will learn how the 3-steps to change (Relate, Repeat, Reframe) are applied, but it is still up to you to use them.

Change or Die CD.......2007-03-24

The CD was very imformative and very well done, however I would have loved to see a little more "how to" included. It talks about the 3 keys to change but could use more information regarding how to go about changing yourself, changing a loved one and changing a corporation. Still worth buying, I learned a lot and I think it is very accurate.

Average customer rating:

The Roy Adaptation Model
Sister Callista Roy , and Heather A. Andrews
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Fundamentals & Skills | Nursing | Medicine | Subjects | Books

General | Nursing | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Issues, Trends & Roles | Nursing | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Research & Theory | Nursing | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Medicine | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0838582486

Book Description

A thoroughly revised and updated book, this definitive new edition reflects the latest advances in the popular Roy Adaptation Model, one of the most widely implemented nursing theories. Compact and consistent, this book focuses on the essentials of nursing practice and theory while integrating the conceptual framework of the Model into contemporary practice. Standardized nursing NANDA diagnoses are used consistently throughout the book. New case studies are included in all adaptive mode chapters. Undergraduate nursing students.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation

Average customer rating:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Pop-up Book Robert Sabuda
Interesting
Gorgeous
Pop-up magic
These books are fabulous!

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation
Lewis Carroll
Manufacturer: Little Simon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0689847432

Book Description

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is Robert Sabuda's most amazing creation ever, featuring stunning pop-ups illustrated in John Tenniel's classic style. The text is faithful to Lewis Carroll's original story, and special effects like a Victorian peep show, multifaceted foil, and tactile elements make this a pop-up to read and admire again and again.

Customer Reviews:

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Pop-up Book Robert Sabuda.......2007-08-07

I have most of the wonderful Robert Sabuda pop-up books and this one is a delightful addition to my collection. I can't get over the skill required to produce these books - how can they possibly mass produce them? Spectacular. These are far too delicate and fragile for small children - although you could hold them and open the pop-ups to show them, as small children will be enchanted to see the pictures. As an adult, I find them small works of art and enjoy owning and looking at them frequently. I had some out at Christmas and our guests were so happy with them I believe a few bought some for themselves. This is a particularly charming version of the Alice story, less frightening and psychotic than some versions, and so lends itself particularly well to enjoying the gorgeous pop-up images.

Interesting.......2007-06-21

Really interesting and amazing book. Not really for kids. Need an adult to operate effectively. It's hard to get your grandkids to keep their hands off it and let you read/work it for them. Almost overly complex - too many flaps and pop-ups.

Gorgeous.......2007-06-18

So happy with this purchase. Beautiful workmanship and detail. Amazing.

Pop-up magic.......2007-05-12

I have always loved the story of "Alice" and I rave over the pop-up illustrations of Sabuda. This book however fell short. The story was poorly edited and the artwork was below par for Sebuda. If you really want a fun Sebuda book "The Wizard of OZ," is terrific. Your children will have you reading over and over.

These books are fabulous!.......2007-02-18

I bought both Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz- Pop-ups for my four year old son. Both he and I (hubby too) love them. They are very special, the pop-ups are gorgeous and elaborate. I plan to make these books very special birthday presents for my friend's kids.

Highly recommended!

Average customer rating:

Not my favorite Maguire book
Disappointing and Dark
Good idea, not delivered well
Great book for Maguire lovers
Not Maguire's Best

Mirror Mirror: A Novel
Gregory Maguire
Manufacturer: Harper Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0060988657
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Book Description

The year is 1502, and seven-year-old Bianca de Nevada lives perched high above the rolling hills and valleys of Tuscany and Umbria at Montefiore, the farm of her beloved father, Don Vicente. But one day a noble entourage makes its way up the winding slopes to the farm -- and the world comes to Montefiore.

In the presence of Cesare Borgia and his sister, the lovely and vain Lucrezia -- decadent children of a wicked pope -- no one can claim innocence for very long. When Borgia sends Don Vicente on a years-long quest, he leaves Bianca under the care -- so to speak -- of Lucrezia.

She plots a dire fate for the young girl in the woods below the farm, but in the dark forest salvation can be found as well ...

A lyrical work of stunning creative vision, Mirror Mirror gives fresh life to the classic story of Snow White -- and has a truth and beauty all its own.

Download Description

"E-Book Extra: "Little Snow-White" by the Brothers Grimm (read the original version of the classic fairy tale)Think you know who's the fairest of them all? Think again. Bestselling re-imaginer of classic fairy tales sets the Snow White story in Renaissance Italy, where the madly vain Lucrezia Borgia plots a dire fate for seven-year-old Bianca de Nevada (a.k.a. Snow White).A lyrical work of stunning creative vision, Mirror Mirror is set in Renaissance Italy, where Gregory Maguire draws a connection between the poison apple in the original Snow White story and the Borgia family's well-known appetite for poisoning its foes. In Mirror Mirror Snow White is called Bianca de Nevada. She is born on a farm in Tuscany in 1495, and when she is seven, her father is ordered by the duplicitous Cesare Borgia to go on a quest to reclaim the relic of the original Tree of Knowledge, a branch bearing three living apples that are thousands of years old. Bianca is left in the care of her father's farm staff and the beautiful -- and madly vain -- Lucrecia Borgia, Cesare's sister. But Lucrecia becomes jealous of her lecherous brother's interest in the growing child and plots a dire fate for Bianca in the woods below the farm. There Bianca finds herself in the home of seven dwarves -- the creators of the magic mirror -- who await the return of their brother, the eighth dwarf, long gone on a quest of his own. In the evocative style of Maguire's earlier novels, Mirror Mirror is a fresh, compelling take on a beloved classic tale.

Customer Reviews:

Not my favorite Maguire book.......2007-10-08

I have read Wicked, Son of a Witch, Lost, and Mirror Mirror. I loved the other three (my favorite was Lost). I found that Mirror Mirror was very slow through the middle of the book. It picks up a little at the end, but I guess I've been spoiled by Maguire and expected miraculous books all the time. This one doesn't match the other three, but does have some interesting parts to it. However, I don't understand why the dwarves were stone-like creatures. Am I missing the symbolism (symbolism is not my forte)? Overall, I could have skipped this book. If this is your first Maguire book, please try another one. The rest are fantastic!

Disappointing and Dark.......2007-08-05

Having read Wicked, Son of a Witch, and Confessions, I was ecstatic to find the time to sit down with Mirror Mirror. I wish I had done anything else! While Maguire's cleverness is apparent, I found myself speedreading ahead to see when another inane description of something small and pointless would end, and skipping ahead at the frequent pepperings of bodily secretions and functions. While the ideas and approach to the Snow White fairy tale are brilliant, they are delivered with a cold darkness that paints the world in a light that I read to escape. The theme of the sexual situations left me feeling defiled and dirty, as if I had stumbled onto something hideously grotesque. And, as a woman, I was greatly insulted at the description of Bianca's first menses. Of all the research done for this book, Maguire couldn't ask one woman what menstruation is like? It reminds me of the ignorant descriptions of school boys who know nothing of the female mysteries and talk about it as though they are professors- much to the disgust of those surrounding their ignorance. Maguire has lost a great deal of my respect with this one. Inappropriate for children under 16.

Good idea, not delivered well.......2007-07-22

I feel that Maguire, in all of his novels, makes the reader think about different perspectives on classic stories in a way that is refreshing and intelligent. Unfortunately, "Mirror Mirror" was not as great as all of his other novels to me. It was choppy and I was often times lost. Time moved too quickly was was only explained by many-year-long sleeps. I found this irritating and unimaginative. I also feel as if Maguire has the idea in his mind, but cannot tell it effectively.

Overall, good story if you can look past the confusing word choices and broken story-telling.

Great book for Maguire lovers.......2007-07-20

Fun two-night read. Takes you on a quick surreal journey. Great book for Maguire fans.

Not Maguire's Best.......2007-06-15

Maguire has made himself quite successful spinning off fairy tales, but this variation on Snow White seemed lacking. His take on Cinderella in "Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister" was steeped in history, and "Wicked" was immersed in the fantastical world of Oz, while "Mirror Mirror" couldn't decide if it wanted to be history or fantasy.

"Mirror Mirror" changes perspective often. The lustful and incestual Borgias, the innocent and fair Bianca, her father on his quest for a limb from the Tree of Knowledge, and the mystical "dwarves" all take turns narrating. I often found it choppy and inconsistent. While I enjoyed it, I've enjoyed Maguires other books much more than this one.

Average customer rating:

Derfel finds love, Arthur finds pain
Great twist on the Arthurian legend
Enjoyable historical fiction with a masculine bias
Arthur on the dark side
Someone is Stirring the Cauldron

Enemy of God (The Arthur Books #2)
Bernard Cornwell
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Arthurian | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0312187149

Amazon.com

Cornwell furnishes a provocative look at the Arthurian legends in Enemy of God, the second book in the Warlords Chronicle. This version of the tale takes place during the Dark Ages, when even the lords of the land lived in thatched huts. Arthur, still defending Britain for his younger half-brother Mordred, faces religious uprisings, Saxon invasions, and disloyalty at the heart of the kingdom. His uncompromising belief in oaths and his optimistic blindness to human betrayal isolate him from even his closest friends. At the same time, Merlin's quest for the Cauldron (read Holy Grail) also becomes entangled in treachery.

Cornwell's writing skills have continued to evolve since his journeyman Sharpe series, and Enemy of God combines intriguing descriptions of Druidical magic with the war-ravaged landscape of Dark Ages Britain, without holding back on the brutality of vengeance and war. The Matter of Britain always commands interest, and Cornwell invests the usual splendor and tragedy with the human squalor of the times. --Blaise Selby

Book Description

With the Winter King, the first volume of his magnificent Warlord

Customer Reviews:

Derfel finds love, Arthur finds pain.......2007-04-05

After a hard fought victory at Lugg Vale, Arthur and Derfel hope for peace but alas it is not to be. In this second book in Cornwell's Warlord series the Arthurian legend continues. Derfel finds the love of his life and becomes a "Lord of War" while Arthur suffers his worst betrayal, and of course there is plenty of fighting. "Enemy of God" is a completely new chapter in the Arthurian legend in which Cornwell transforms Merlin into a real and loveable character and introduces the reader to much of the magic and mystery of the Druid. The story takes the reader into the reign of King Mordred and the dark times that follow. In this installment Derfel is at his happiest while Arthur is brought to the depths of despair. This is my favorite of the three books because the story brings out such deep emotions and leaves such a lasting impression.

Great twist on the Arthurian legend.......2007-03-10

I was intrigued about this alternate version of the Tales of Arthur. This well-crafted book (the third of 3 books in this series) fleshes out many of the legendary characters in very believable ways. I liked the book.

Enjoyable historical fiction with a masculine bias.......2007-03-09

While there is a certain similarity of characterization in Cornwall's books I still find them fascinating with enjoyable plots that for me evoke the age they address. I am a fan of all of his books

Arthur on the dark side.......2007-01-09

Great story, lots of research went into this book. so much attention to details that you feel as if you were reading an factional historical account.
I highly recommend it for all Arthurian novel & history buffs

Someone is Stirring the Cauldron.......2006-09-02

Bernard Cornwell is one of that rare breed of authors who are able to write convincingly on a broad range of subjects. Present day thrillers, the Sharpe novels about riflemen in the days of the Duke of Wellington, even an ancient historical novel about Stonehenge and it doesn't come much more ancient than that. His more recent novels have been about the Saxons and very good they are too. But I think that the trilogy he has written about the Arthurian legends are certainly among the best, if not the best of his novels. Having visited the authors website he also believes they are the best books he has written.

The legends of King Arthur hold a magical attraction for many people, myself included and I enjoy reading about them very much. The tales of Arthur and his knights of the round table riding about in full and shining armour are of course a total nonsense and a more or less modern day depiction of Arthur. Suits of armour were not even invented until several hundred years after Arthur's death, if indeed he existed at all. But if he did it would be more around the time in which the Winter King is set.

Mr. Cornwell puts a more realistic slant on the existence of Arthur in or around the sixth century, and the author himself believes that Arthur was some sort of war chief rather than a king.

This is the second book in the trilogy. At the end of the previous book (The Winter King) Arthur has fought the decisive battle that unites the warring British Kingdoms and now he sets out to face the real enemy . . . Merlin has lead a dangerous expedition into the West of the land to retrieve a cauldron, one of the treasures of Britain. Merlin believes the ancient treasures of Britain will bring the old gods onto the side of the British against the Saxons and the Christians, whom Merlin hates. However he is not the only one plotting, Arthur's wife Guinevere wants to make magic of her own . . .

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)

Average customer rating:

Retold one time too many?
Best compilation
do you like a stories inside a greater story?
Everything you needed to know about King Arthur but were afraid to ask!
AWFUL ARTHUR!!!

King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table (Puffin Classics)
Roger Lancelyn Green
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Classics | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Love & Romance | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0140366709

Customer Reviews:

Retold one time too many?.......2007-08-28

I had to overcome having read one too many retellings of these tales in reading this book.
I think the major flaw is taking the late middle ages Christian approach.
On the plus side the author pretty much sticks to the classic story lines and even puts in the Tristam legend
(his undoing here as the Cornwall Kingdom is where Arthur's mother conceived him, not a a place out of time ).
He changes Vivian to Nimue and calls magic the deceptions of Merlin and Morgan le Fay making everything as the Christians of later times would have it.

Best compilation.......2007-03-26

I have read many versions of the Arthurian legends, and revisited them again in three different books recently. Of those, this version was the best. It was compiled from several different sources, and manages to flesh out some of the legends of the lesser knights and Merlin the Enchanter more than many versions.

Despite being a Puffin Classics edition, it does not condescend to the reader, nor read as a diluted telling, as is so often the case in educational publishing. If you are looking for a clean, coherent telling of the Arthurian tales that won't require wading through archaic language, this is the version for you.

The paperback pricing is nice too.

do you like a stories inside a greater story?.......2006-08-24

The story King Arthur, which was written by Roger Lancelyn Green, is a truly exhilarating adventure set in the middle ages, and it contained many fascinating characters such as King Arthur, who was the king of Logres and who was one of the most important characters in the story; another character is Lancelot who was one of the best Knights of the round table and went on many quests, bringing much honor to Logres, and was quite important through out the book; another character would be Queen Morgana le Fay, she was not only a witch, but also the sister and nemesis of King Arthur, she often tried to capture or kill him and his knights, but in the end she makes peace with him; last but not least is Merlin, he is one of the best know characters, he is a wizard who saves King Arthur life twice, and foretells the future many a time; eventually he is buried alive by Lady Nimue until he is needed once again.

King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table was a collection different quest within one larger story, mainly telling the history or King Arthur and how the knights of the round table came to be, and there many legends; the majority of the book was sort of like the exposition, it was getting us accustomed to the characters and the vibe of the story so that the reader could get understand the end of the book when they searched for "The Quest of the Holy Grail" and the "Final Battle" which are the two main conflicts. This book is so good, because anyone can take something away from this book, R.L. Green's stories all have a theme to them whether it is about jealousy, integrity, kindness, forgiveness, or honor, the lesson of chivalry is always stressed, and there is always something for the reader to relate to making the book overall very satisfying.

Everything you needed to know about King Arthur but were afraid to ask!.......2006-07-07

This was the first King Arthur book I ever had. In more recent years I've read Le Morte D'Arthur, the Mabinogion, Bulfinch's Age of Chivalry, and a hundred other collections, some for children and some for adults. This is still the best-written, most comprehensive version I've found.

It tends to read a little like King Arthur's Greatest Hits--no bad thing, really. The story of Geraint and Enid is in there from the Mabinogion, Germanic legends are plundered to discover a bride for Sir Perceval, and Gawain fans will be pleased to know that his spotless character has been restored. He even gets to find the Grail!

There are many other children's collections out there, but none of them as comprehensive as this. As for the old classics, they can be hard to get and, like Mallory's , do unforgivable violence to favourite characters and then spend half the book on the story of Tristan and Iseult.

AWFUL ARTHUR!!!.......2006-04-19

This book was the worst!!! I usually enjoy reading books, but I didn't enjoy one little microscopic segment of this book!!! It was really hard to understand, and it felt like that all Roger Lancelyn Green cared about was death!! I mean really in one chapter I counted that 12 people died!!! In one single chapter!!!!!

Average customer rating:

screwed up a few bed time stories
What really happened to Goldilocks?
Great book!
Almost perfect
makes me laugh out loud

The Fourth Bear: A Nursery Crime
Jasper Fforde
Manufacturer: Viking Penguin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Fairy Tales | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0670037729

Book Description

Jack Spratt and Mary Mary return in their second adventure from the inimitable Jasper Fforde

Five years ago, Viking introduced Jasper Fforde and his upsidedown, inside-out literary crime masterpieces. And as they move from Thursday Next to Jack Spratt's Nursery Crimes, his audience is insatiable and growing. Now, with The Fourth Bear, Jack Spratt and Mary Mary take on their most dangerous case so far as a murderous cookie stalks the streets of Reading.

The Gingerbreadman—psychopath, sadist, genius, and killer—is on the loose. But it isn't Jack Spratt's case. He and Mary Mary have been demoted to Missing Persons following Jack's poor judgment involving the poisoning of Mr. Bun the baker. Missing Persons looks like a boring assignment until a chance encounter leads them into the hunt for missing journalist Henrietta “Goldy” Hatchett, star reporter for The Daily Mole. Last to see her alive? The Three Bears, comfortably living out a life of rural solitude in Andersen's wood.

But all is not what it seems. How could the bears' porridge be at such disparate temperatures when they were poured at the same time? Why did Mr. and Mrs. Bear sleep in separate beds? Was there a fourth bear? And if there was, who was he, and why did he try to disguise Goldy's death as a freak accident?

Jack answers all these questions and a few others besides, rescues Mary Mary from almost certain death, and finally meets the Fourth Bear and the Gingerbreadman face-to-face.

Customer Reviews:

screwed up a few bed time stories.......2007-10-01

so, nursery rhymes used to be something that mommy used to read to me, and once i learned to read, i'd read on my own. and they always seemed so inocent, but then i learned what "ring around the rosies" really meant.

this book takes it a step further. now, mamma bear is cheating on pappa bear, goldylocks dies a horrible death, and mary mary, quite contrary, is a police detective.

it's a fun book. puts an odd spin on the childhood memories.

What really happened to Goldilocks?.......2007-09-02

Fforde continues his Nursery Crime series with an investigation into the fate of Goldilocks. A great take-off on a great nursery tale. Along the way, Detective Inspector Jack Spratt struggles with his identity, and he and Detective Sergeant Mary Mary both learn a lot about their relationships. The book contains plenty of literary allusions, humor, and mystery, and just the right amount of "depth."

Great book!.......2007-08-23

This was a terrifically funny book. Jasper Fforde outdid himself with this one. This was much funnier than his first Nursery Crimes book. I highly recommend this for anyone who has read his other books.

Almost perfect.......2007-05-21

If you have ever thought to yourself that "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" seemed incomplete, here's a book that will satisfy you. Fforde's writing, funny and sharp as usual, is a star on its own. While not exactly his Thursday Next series, this should appeal to the same set of readers. The plot of this book is not quite as meandering as it predecessor, The Big Over Easy, and is much more satisfying at the end. I would reccomend this to anyone with an appreciation of literature and a sense of humor (if you lack one, don't read this).

makes me laugh out loud.......2007-05-13

I loved it! I know if I listened again I would catch more of the jokes.

Average customer rating:

A favorite to read over and over again,
All time favorite
You'll read it again and again...
Good read
Remembering

Mary Stewart's Merlin Trilogy
Mary Stewart
Manufacturer: Eos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Arthurian | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0688003478
Release Date: 2004-09-07

Amazon.com

The Merlin Trilogy is Mary Stewart's take on the Arthurian legend in three books: The Crystal Cave, The Hollow Hills, and The Last Enchantment. These books have Merlin, Arthur's wizard mentor, as their focal point, and the result is a charming, engrossing tale providing a unique perspective on a familiar tale. Her history is superb and richly detailed, her characterizations are masterful, and her plotting is perfect. You'll be entranced by this magical story.

Book Description

The Arthurian legend is one of the most enduring and powerful of myths, and Mary Stewart's classic The Merlin Trilogy is one of its most beloved and acclaimed retellings. In prose that is as vividly, achingly real as it is poetic, New York Times bestselling author Mary Stewart brings to life the man behind the myth: Myrddin Emrys ... Merlinus Ambrosius ... Merlin.

The Crystal Cave
The Hollow Hills
The Last Enchantment

Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myrddin Emrys -- or, as he would later be known, Merlin -- leads a perilous childhood in The Crystal Cave, haunted by portents and visions. But destiny has great plans for this no-man's-son, taking him from prophesying before the High King Vortigern to the crowning of UtherPendragon ... and the conception of Arthur -- king for once and always.

Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon in The Hollow Hills, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain.

In The Last Enchantment, Arthur Pendragon is king at last. Unchallenged on the battlefield, he melds the country together in a time of promise as Merlin works to keep safe the once and future king. But sinister powers plot to destroy Camelot, and when the witch-queen Morgause -- Arthur's own half sister -- ensnares him in an incestuous liaison, a fatal web of love, betrayal, and bloody vengeance is woven.

Extensively researched and beautifully written, The Merlin Trilogy is the epic culmination of an acclaimed career, a legend in and of itself.

Customer Reviews:

A favorite to read over and over again,.......2007-07-18

I've worn out my second set of these classics, they're so re-readable after only a short recess. I love the historical accuracy combined with fantasy made believable. The thorough basis in research is comparable only to Dorothy Dunnett's great sagas. I also appreciated the larger size of the second generation of paperbacks. One of the things that always amused me about the original paperback series' cover art was that apparently the artist never read the books, with both Merlin and Authur depicted as stereotypical blond heros. Glad to see the second series corrected that.

All time favorite.......2007-05-15

An old song by Melanie pines "I wish I could find a good book to live in". This trilogy is that for me. I have been reading them at least once a year since they were published, have multiple copies at both my houses, have given many to friends and acquaintances who evinced the slightest interest. Of all the Arthurian books out there, from Mallory on, this rings true to me on so many levels. It is a joy from "I am an old man now" through to her description of Merlin, alone, listening to the music of the stars. Please, read these books.

You'll read it again and again..........2006-10-25

I believe the first time I read the Crystal Cave series was when my aunt suggested it to me in junior high school. Since then, I think I have read this series at least 10 times and I have recommended it to many of my friends. The story of Arthur and Merlin is one that has always captivated people - it is hard not to be pulled in by the epic nature of it, the magic, the drama, the intrigue, and the rise of these two powerful figures.

What I love so much about Mary Stewart's treatment of the well-known story is the way she grounds it in history and tells it as the story of people who, extraordinary though they may be, have faults, fears, insecurities, passions etc. These are figures that we can relate to in ways that I think more fantasy-based treatments make difficult. Prior to reading this series, Merlin and Arthur (and all the supporting characters) were only mythic, fairy-tale-like figures in my imagination. This series made them real to me and brought them alive for me in an entirely new way.

I loved that the story was told from Merlin's perspective and allowed us to follow him from his childhood through his struggles to understand and use his powers until he finally meets Arthur and his destiny. Every time I read this series I speed through them and read one right after the other. I think you'll find you do this same.

One note to mention - when I originially read this I didn't realize that the first three had been written as a trilogy and the fourth book was added later. I read them all together and I would recommend not missing The Wicked Day.

Good read.......2006-08-20

It's got to be a good 25-30 years since I read these three books, and were just as enjoyable now as they were then. Stuart has a lovely way of describing a scene, the land and the people. If you purchased the trilogy in one book, just remember that they were originally three separate books. I found that while I read it as one book this time, there were redundancies and/or things that I would have expected to be cut from one large novel, but necessary additions in three separate novels. I found myself skipping through those sections.

You won't find any great surprises in the story, if you are familiar with the legends of King Arthur. This story is mainly Merlin's from boyhood to old man and beloved cousin and counselor of Arthur. While I don't usually enjoy a book written in the first person -- as you lose so much from what the other characters are experiencing -- the author pulled this off well enough. With Merlin's visions, we were able to see happenings that were not personally witnessed by Merlin.

Of the books I have read so far on the Arthurian legends, my favorite is still The Road to Avalon, followed by Queen of Camelot. It's been so many years since I've read The Mists of Avalon I can't rate that amongst these until I've read it again.

All in all very enjoyable and I would recommend this for younger readers whose parents are trying to find well written books without the constant presence of bodice ripping.

A thumbs down to the publisher, I found many small typos that became a bit irritating after a while, i.e. women instead of woven, is instead of in, etc. You would think that after the first publication they would catch these and fix them for subsequent pulications.

Remembering.......2006-03-08

These stories are wonderfully absorbing. I have read and re-read all of them for many, many years, and as exciting as they were to my adolescent mind, they remain quite as engaging in (what passes for) maturity. I can still remember finding out, as a senior in high school, that the football hero also loved Mary Stewart's Arthurian saga, and had read the books more than once. (And what a delightful thing for the troublesome geeky girl to learn!)

To this day, I can remember the day I found these books. I can remember the weather, the town, the bookstore - and, of course, the experience of voraciously tearing into each story, consuming every passing page. To be able to pinpoint such a moment of discovery after twenty-four years ... this must say something fine about any book. It's the finest thing I can say for Mary Stewart's gifts to Arthuriana. That and, "Thank you."

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books